The talent nature gives of Graciousness
Ambition most perverts, but it outlasts
Wide combinations and august address,
And at its table gentles and outcasts
Holy Communion take, like Christ's repasts.
Allison! framed to give, not to refuse,
By grace is made refuser of the state;
He sayeth " no " the heart not to abuse,
He smooths the suppliant not in vain to wait,
His largess falls where needful like the dews
That o'er the chilly zone precipitate —
And freshening influence on the land diffuse;
Like Providence his years we do not count,
Nor see the frost around the living fount.